Big Appetite… Big Foot?

In our culture of enormous portions, endless temptations and the threat of ever-expanding waistlines bombarding us at every turn, it is easy to see that we all are fighting the battle of the bulge everyday! In addition, computers, television, video games and other technologies are not helping as they contribute to the lack of physical activity!

Obesity is an epidemic and one that adversely affects the human body in many ways. There are a slew of obesity-related diseases: hypertension (high blood pressure), congestive heart failure, sleep apnea, gallstone formation, osteoarthritis, gout and type 2 (adult-onset) diabetes! Research is uncovering more and more evidence about the detrimental effects of obesity on our vital organs and how it impedes normal body function. 

            However, did you know that obesity has now been linked to bigger foot sizes?! Apparently, the size of our feet as a population has been growing! Just 100 years ago, the typical American adult male wore a shoe size of 6.5 and the typical American female wore a size of 4.5! Today, the average male shoe size is a 9, and in the last 5 years, the size of men’s feet has increased 1 full shoe size!

What exactly is happening here?! There are several theories as to why foot size is on the rise. One guess is that the intake of highly processed and unhealthy foods during puberty may fuel growth hormone secretion in the body. Growth hormone affects all areas of the body, but may play a significant role in the waist, hands and feet. Another reason for increasing shoe size may actually be due to body weight and its effect on our feet. The increased burden due to obesity may be putting so much stress on our feet that our arches are collapsing, thus leading to the flattening of feet.

The present-day lifestyle and contemporary diet is leading to a trend of people becoming taller and larger with bigger foot sizes!

When shopping for shoes keep a few things in mind:

• 1.       Make sure to find shoes that accommodate both your foot length and foot width.
  
• 2.   Shoes that are too small will cramp your toes and lead to foot pain. Shoes that are too large will lead to a lack of stability and the formation of blisters.
  
• 3.       Never assume your shoe size is the same as it always been because with time, your foot size changes.
  
• 4.       Measure your foot size at the end of the day; your feet are at their largest then.
  
• 5.       Ensure that you are wearing your socks when sizing for athletic shoes.
  
• 6.       Always measure both feet and fit the shoes to the larger foot.
  

Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC
101 6th Street N.W.
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: 863-299-4551
http://www.FLFootandAnkle.com